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Stand is focused on ensuring all students receive a high quality, relevant education, especially those whose boundless potential is overlooked and under-tapped because of their skin color, zip code, first language, or disability. Join us in standing up for families in your community.

Key Early Literacy Policy Introduced

Amy Pitlik

Director of Government Relations

Representative Millie Hamner (D-Dillon) and Senator Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs) introduced critical early literacy policy in the Colorado Legislature. House Bill 1393, “Effective Implementation of the READ Act,” is headed to the House Education Committee for a hearing.

This bill will update and improve certain areas of Colorado’s early literacy policy, The Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act, which was passed in 2012. The READ Act identifies children in K-3rd grade who are falling behind in reading and provides funding to support getting those students caught up. Stand for Children has been working with Representative Hamner on this important legislation. We encourage you to tell policymakers early literacy is important to you too, by signing this petition in support of HB 1393!

HB 1393:

Emphasizes teacher supports and professional development.

Establishes a process for improving READ plans, which guide the individual interventions for students who are furthest behind in literacy skills.

And, allows for funds to be added to the Early Literacy Grant (ELG) program, which has shown great success in improving literacy rates. $1 million was included in the 2018 budget for the ELG program.

This legislation allows for important improvements to be made to the READ Act to support educators and ensure all Colorado students are reading proficiently by the time they finish 3rd grade. Tell policymakers that you support HB 1393 to improve literacy rates in Colorado by signing this petition today!